Understanding how Meissner corpuscles detect touch

Mechanism of Meissner corpuscle function

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11059937

This study is looking at how special touch sensors in the skin of ducks work, which could help us understand how our own sense of touch functions better.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11059937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the function of Meissner corpuscles, which are sensory structures in the skin responsible for detecting fine touch. By studying the skin of tactile specialist ducks, the researchers aim to uncover how these corpuscles work at a molecular level, particularly focusing on the interaction between lamellar cells and neuronal mechanoreceptors. The study employs various techniques, including neurophysiology and imaging, to explore the mechanisms behind touch sensitivity. The findings could enhance our understanding of somatosensory physiology and its implications for touch-related tasks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with sensory processing disorders or those interested in the mechanisms of touch.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to sensory processing or touch perception may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for sensory disorders and enhance our understanding of touch perception.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of Meissner corpuscles have not been extensively studied, related research in sensory physiology has shown promising results in understanding touch detection.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.